In these tough economic times, more people are looking for different ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Birding is one outdoor activity that is increasing in popularity, and Levy County has a plethora of sites to view and enjoy the unique aspects of Florida birdwatching.

To help get people started with the new hobby, the College of Central Florida is offering a Birding Basics course Friday, Aug. 20 at the Levy Center in Chiefland. The class is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the cost is $15 per person.

Two years ago, it was Williston that got the special attention of the Levy County Multijurisdictional Drug Task Force, and 40 people faced drug-related charges.

This year, it is Chiefland's turn.

In the past week, law enforcement officers have ended a marijuana grow house operation and rounded up a dozen persons and charged them with various counts of possession, sale and trafficking in a variety of illegal and prescription drugs.

Palms Medical Group is proud to announce its new chief executive officer, Anita Riels. Riels is a 2000 graduate of the University of Florida and has been employed as the chief finance officer of Trenton Medical Center Inc. since 2001. Trenton Medical Center Inc. was renamed Palms Medical Group in April. There are seven Palms Medical Group community health centers in North Florida. Riels is replacing the late P. DeWayne Yates, who lost his battle with leukemia in February of this year. Riels was interim chief executive officer, during Yates’ illness.

The Social Security Stories Project is seeking stories from individuals about the importance and impact of Social Security in their lives, with a goal of receiving 1,000 stories by the end of July.

The submitted stories will be reviewed for possible inclusion in a new book to be published in honor of the 75th anniversary of Social Security on Aug. 14, 2010.

There are 10 stories featured in a new video that can be viewed on YouTube. The video uses photos submitted by the story tellers, as well as audio captured through a special toll-free number set up for the project.